THE BUZZ: The gems system for Capcom’s next major fighting game title has received a lot of criticism from hardcore fighting fans. What is it, and what exactly will it do?

Capcom hoped to explain that a bit more today, with not only a number of charts showing off the various gems that will be in the game, but a video that better explains what all of this is about.

The ideas is this: Players will be able to slot three gems in for each character they pick, which will give those characters bonuses when the criteria for their use is satisfied.

Gems come in one of six types: Attack, Defense, Speed, Cross Gauge, Vitality, and Assist. Attack, Defense, and Speed gems are pretty self-explanatory—they’ll boost your fighter in those respective ways at certain points in the match. Cross Gauge gems will help fill your Cross Gauge faster, or slow down its depletion. Vitality gems will boost a character’s life gauge back up, and Assist gems offer a variety of options for less-skilled players to have more of a fighting chance.

EGM’s TAKE: It’s understandable why some fans are nervous about this whole idea—it adds variable to fights beyond just the skills of a player. I’m torn on my opinion of the gems system, to be honest. On one had, I absolutely agree that they could screw with the natural balance inherent of fighting games. On the other—they could actually be an interesting twist that will give Street Fighter X Tekken its own unique feel.

There is then the argument about the special-edition and retailer-exclusive pre-order gems—which, basically, provide a situation where one can literally pay to have an advantage in fights. While the gem system itself is something that I think we’ll really need to see in practice before being able to make a fair judgement about it, that part of the equation is harder to defend.

Special Edition Exclusive Gems

Special Edition Pre-Order Exclusive Gems

Gamestop Pre-Order Exclusive Gems

Amazon Pre-Order Exclusive Gems

Best Buy Pre-Order Exclusive Gems

Eric L. Patterson got started via self-publishing game-related fanzines in junior high, and now has one goal in life: making sure EGM has as much coverage of niche Japanese games as can realistically be crammed in. Eric’s also active in the gaming community on a personal level, being an outspoken voice on topics such as equality in gaming and consumer rights. Stalk Eric on Twitter: @Eric_EGM. Meet the rest of the crew.